A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie.

ELT chose Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced for the winter season. Just the sort of play to suit the cold miserable season.
A well set stage and appropriate costuming suited the era, with Miss Marple dressed just as one would imagine.
ELT did have a couple of problems on second night. One actor had a bad throat which resulted in a quieter tone than normal, while another, who played Mrs Swettenham, took ill and had to be replaced at the last moment. The replacement Gail Poor, although reading from the script, gave such an excellent performance that no one really minded that she was reading the part.
Michelle Tanner gave a good portrayal of Miss Blacklock, the owner of the house where the mystery murder happened. Genevieve Ryan caught the character of Miss Marple with aplomb and expertise.
Roderick Chappel’s Inspector Craddock was a good smooth performance, though his voice was a little soft in parts. Sam Chappel, who gave a professional performance of Patrick Simpson, had a good rapport with San Devine who played his ‘sister’ Julia. Julia was not quite what she seemed and Devine gave a comfortable portrayal of the role.
Another connection of Miss Blacklock’s was Phillipa, well played by Leeann Cairnduff.
Gemma Porter brought a touch of comedy in her excellent performance as Mitzi, the Hungarian maid, who kept accusing everyone of wanting her to go back, keeping up a high standard accent throughout the play without missing a beat. Not easy to do.
As Edmund Swettenham, the son of Mrs Swettenham, Mickey James Hollander carried the role comfortably and added to the standard of the evening.
Michael Zaar portrayed two parts, one, the victim, and two, Sergeant Mellors, well.
ELT produced a well-directed, smooth flowing evening of theatre.
Peter Kemp